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The Synergistic Effect Between CBD and THC—How These Cannabinoids Work Together

Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and various cannabinoids and terpenoids possess their own therapeutic benefits. Although certain cannabinoids have more benefits than others, they each have something unique to offer consumers. When these compounds are all combined, the results are significant. Single-compound medicines are effective in their own way as you get more pure products, higher concentrations, and exact amounts. It’s suggested to consume a combination of cannabis chemicals and cannabinoids in their natural form. Some may refer to this as the ‘entourage effect’. Different cannabis researchers and scientists believe that the ‘entourage effect’ is real and that there’s a synergy between CBD and THC. Combining isolates is the ultimate way to benefit from the entourage effect.

Background Information About the Entourage Effect

Besides two of the most well-known cannabinoids (CBD and THC) being present in the cannabis plant, there are more than sixty other cannabinoids that can deliver therapeutic effects. Individually, cannabinoids have the potential to help treat different health issues while also improving one’s well-being. However, an individual compound doesn’t deliver the same results as compared to the combination of compounds in their natural form. In the cannabis world, many people believe that there’s a synergy between CBD and THC. Terpenoids also play a role, especially regarding their therapeutic benefits. This leads to the concept of the ‘entourage effect’, which is widely used in this industry.

The ‘entourage effect’ can be defined as the medical and therapeutic impact cannabis compounds have on the body when combined with other components. There are also numerous benefits from combining different cannabinoids and terpenes together. For those who don’t know, terpenoids are known as the flavors and aromas that are present in cannabis strains. Generally, terpenoids are strong smelling, and they contain different therapeutic effects. These effects could add to the entourage effect of cannabis-based medical extracts. Infinite CBD sells many CBD products with the addition of terpenes to pin-point results.

Additionally, the entourage effect can also be described as a variety of compounds working together to create and deliver the powerful efficacy of cannabis. According to Dr. Ethan Russo, CBD is the largest influence in the entourage effect. One prime example of the synergy between CBD and THC is the existence of Sativex. Sativex is a sublingual cannabis-based spray that contains equal amounts of THC and CBD. Although many people stand by the existence of the entourage effect, there’s not much scientific evidence on it.

The Entourage Effect: Myth or Truth?

Currently, most of the information surrounding the entourage effect is in the form of anecdotal evidence. In one Scientific American article, the following was stated about this widely-used term: “The entourage effect idea has firmly taken root in the cannabis industry and among consumers.” Some researchers and scientists believe there’s a potential synergy between CBD and THC. Others believe there’s a potential entourage effect between different cannabinoids and terpenes. Whereas, others don’t believe in this concept at all due to the lack of data on it. Margaret Haney, a cannabis researcher and neurobiologist at Columbia University stands by the latter. Margaret expressed her opinion on the entourage effect via this statement, “The lay public has really taken on the notion of the entourage effect, but there’s not a lot of data.”

Furthermore, Raphael Mechoulam, a well-known Israeli cannabis researcher stated the following about this concept in one of his published papers: “Investigations of the effect of the active component in the presence of its ‘entourage’ compounds may lead to results that differ from those observed with the active component only.” When CBD is used on its own, it delivers different results as compared to when it’s used with THC. There are also different results when CBD, THC, and terpenoids are used together.

Research Findings that Indicate a Synergy Between CBD and THC

Over time, various studies have been conducted on the topic of the entourage effect. For example, one study indicated that phyto-cannabinoid terpenoid communications could create synergy via the treatment of the following health issues: inflammation, anxiety, depression, pain, epilepsy, cancer, addiction, and fungal and bacterial infections. Some would say that this finding represents the synergy of different cannabinoids and terpenoids. Then, another study focused on administering an oral mucosal extract to treat intractable cancer pain. It was found that CBD effectively relieved the intractable cancer pain. Whereas, a high THC extract didn’t deliver the same results. This finding indicates a potential synergy between CBD and THC and its ability to deliver more effective results together than apart.

Next, one study focused on the combination and efficacy of a THC and CBD extract as an alternative analgesic to opioids. It was discovered that the THC and CBD extract was effective in relieving cancer pain. This finding represents the powerful synergy between CBD and THC extracts/medicines.

Synergistic Ability of CBD, THC, and Terpenoids

Overall, there’s a potential synergy between CBD and THC in addition to the combination of these cannabinoids and terpenoids. However, more research should be conducted regarding the effects caused by the combination of various cannabinoids for the treatment of different medical issues.

The following closing quote describes what occurs from the combination of cannabinoids and terpenoids: “While the effect of CBD on THC is the most notable illustration of the entourage effect, research also indicates that cannabinoids and terpenes may also combine to achieve greater therapeutic advantages.” Which cannabinoid combination would you be willing to try in the future? Comment below, and let us know!

DISCLAIMER

These products and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

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